This may be the beginning of the end for illegal activities on our southern border.
http://www.svherald.com/articles/2008/01/17/news/doc478eec23322ae073589156.txt
BISBEE — A local border watch group recently changed its operational name and some of its tactics due to the types of illegal immigrants its members are encountering.
Cochise Borders Civil Defense Corps is now officially known as Cochise County Militia. Bill Davis, the director and founder of the group, said he is authorizing the carrying of rifles and shotguns, in addition to handguns. Members also can wear military-type battle dress uniforms, camouflage gear and face paint.
“The people we are running into are armed and are wearing camo clothes. Sometimes they are military. Sometimes they are the police dressed as military. They are escorting the gun smugglers over,” he said. “We’ve got to fight fire with fire.”
He said the group’s members are not just sitting and watching for illegal immigrants who are coming across the border. Instead, they are out in the woods in lay-up areas or on active smuggling trails.
“The odds are anybody you run into up there is carrying drugs or contraband of some type and is probably armed,” Davis said. “Naturally, you try to avoid any firefight, but sometimes you can’t because you surprise them.”
Davis said by changing the name to Cochise County Militia, the group will have more integrity in a court of law.
“If they are on our soil and are using weapons against U.S. naturalized citizens, it is technically considered an invasion and if you are classified as a militia, you have more legal rights as a border watch group defending yourself,” he said.
The group will hold a border rally in March. Davis said he is looking for serious individuals to apply and help out.
For information, visit www.ranchsupportservices.com.
http://www.svherald.com/articles/2008/01/17/news/doc478eec23322ae073589156.txt
BISBEE — A local border watch group recently changed its operational name and some of its tactics due to the types of illegal immigrants its members are encountering.
Cochise Borders Civil Defense Corps is now officially known as Cochise County Militia. Bill Davis, the director and founder of the group, said he is authorizing the carrying of rifles and shotguns, in addition to handguns. Members also can wear military-type battle dress uniforms, camouflage gear and face paint.
“The people we are running into are armed and are wearing camo clothes. Sometimes they are military. Sometimes they are the police dressed as military. They are escorting the gun smugglers over,” he said. “We’ve got to fight fire with fire.”
He said the group’s members are not just sitting and watching for illegal immigrants who are coming across the border. Instead, they are out in the woods in lay-up areas or on active smuggling trails.
“The odds are anybody you run into up there is carrying drugs or contraband of some type and is probably armed,” Davis said. “Naturally, you try to avoid any firefight, but sometimes you can’t because you surprise them.”
Davis said by changing the name to Cochise County Militia, the group will have more integrity in a court of law.
“If they are on our soil and are using weapons against U.S. naturalized citizens, it is technically considered an invasion and if you are classified as a militia, you have more legal rights as a border watch group defending yourself,” he said.
The group will hold a border rally in March. Davis said he is looking for serious individuals to apply and help out.
For information, visit www.ranchsupportservices.com.